Following the early termination of three HIV vaccine efficacy trials for lack of efficacy in the past three years, HIV vaccine research has pivoted towards discovery with new preclinical studies already yielding promising results. Several recent publications on HIV vaccine research and development (R&D) feature innovative strategies. These use germline-targeting immunogens to prime and mature broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb)-precursor B cells and overcome one of the key challenges in HIV vaccine development: the elicitation of bNAbs. Researchers are optimistic that these advancements in understanding and manipulating the immune system will pave the way for a successful HIV vaccine in the future.
The webinar is organized by the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise at IAS – the International AIDS Society – and The Scripps Research Institute. It will provide an overview of recent advances addressing the challenges of inducing bNAbs, the development of germline-targeting epitope scaffolds and the use of innovative vaccination regimens. In a fast-changing prevention research environment, the webinar also aims to raise awareness of ongoing HIV vaccine R&D and highlight the commitment of the scientific community to developing an HIV vaccine.
